About Dwight
As an African America business leader, Dwight Smith has significant experience leading a successful organization as well as serving as a mentor to, and angel investor in, several high potential start-ups (including Black– and women–owned firms). With over forty years of experience in the IT industry, Dwight is the Founder, President and CEO of Sophisticated Systems, Inc. in Columbus. SSI provides businesses with a comprehensive set of information technology solutions ranging from technology deployments and assessments to fully outsourced managed services in areas including cloud computing and cybersecurity. The company’s management services business supports companies in a wide range of industries (healthcare, education, construction, insurance and others).
SSI has received national recognition as one of Inc. Magazine’s 500 Fastest Growing Companies in the country. SSI has also been recognized as a finalist and award recipient of the Corporate Caring Award on multiple occasions. Other recognitions include the Top Cat Tech Innovation Award for technology leadership and one of the fastest growing Central Ohio businesses for seven years by Columbus Fast 50. Dwight is a recipient of the prestigious E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Dwight’s board experience is significant, including serving on boards of private equity backed companies, an ESOP organization, and a publicly traded firm. Dwight currently serves on the boards of Choice Legal and SureImpact, a Rev1 portfolio company. In March 2022 Dwight concluded seventeen years of board service at State Auto Mutual Company when the company was acquired by Liberty Mutual for $1B. Dwight is committed to enhancing his contributions in the board room by participating in educational programs offered by the NACD, National Association of Corporate Directors. In addition to company board service, Dwight currently serves as Chair of The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and as a Board member of Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Highlights Foundation.
Dwight is a committed philanthropist. He is very active in his community and believes that it is an honor to be able to contribute to enhancing the lives of others. He has served as an Adjunct Professor in the MBA Program at Franklin University and is a guest lecturer at The Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. Dwight is often requested to speak at conferences and served as the Commencement Speaker at the Summer 2021 graduation at Franklin University and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
